Blog & Guides

Welcome to the Visit Bristol blog, your one-stop shop for ideas, inspiration and handy tips to make your time in Bristol that bit better!

From suggested itineraries to festival round-ups and unmissable things to do, our guides aim to showcase the best of the city, whatever the time of year. We publish new blogs every week and keep our blog posts up-to-date with the latest information, so you can trust that you’re getting the most accurate and useful tips for your trip.

Planning a trip with the family? Check out our guides on Places to stay with kids in and around Bristol and Things to do with teenagers. We’ve also got a list of 60 free things to do to keep costs down.

Coming here to sample as much of the food scene as you can? Have a read through our list of Bristol’s Michelin-starred restaurants, top cocktail bars and pub gardens, or find the best places to go for vegan food while you’re here. We’re sure you’ll also want to try a tasty Sunday roast while you’re here – we've rounded up a few of the best of those too!

If you’re local to Bristol, or here for a few days, we’ve also got plenty of suggestions for day trips to the north, south, east and west of the city so that you can experience as much of the region as possible. Maybe you want to tick off all of the World Heritage Sites near Bristol, or discover our most accessible outdoor attractions.

We’ll also have seasonal guides to help you get the most out of Summer in Bristol, from rooftop bars to scenic cycle routes, or find out what’s on for Christmas in and around the city.

Keep checking back for more brilliant Bristol inspiration!

Tag: Autumn

Saloon bar at The Highbury Vaults in Bristol - credit Youngs

Cosy pubs in Bristol

Oct. 28, 2024

When it’s cold or rainy outside, there’s nothing better than finding a comfy corner in a traditional pub. Here are a few of our favourite places to get snug in the colder months. The Cottage Inn Come rain or shine, it's hard to beat the view across the harbour from The Cottage. On colder days, pull…

A family walking through the grounds of Westonbirt Arboretum near Bristol in autumn - credit Johnny Hathaway

Bristol’s best parks for autumn leaf peeping

Oct. 21, 2024

The leaves have started changing colour and by evening, there’s an unmistakeable whiff of autumn in the air. To make the most of this colourful season, we’ve put together a guide to Bristol’s best parks for autumn leaf peeping: Westonbirt Arboretum No leaf peeping list would be complete without the…

Mysterious figure on St Nicholas Street - credit Charlie Revelle-Smith

Itinerary: Take a dark tour of Bristol

Oct. 16, 2024

Local author of the Weird Bristol history books, Charlie Revelle-Smith, takes us on his personal tour of some of Bristol’s macabre and gruesome history. From haunted pubs to bloody murder, wrap up warm and retrace the steps of our city’s darkest days… The Tour Map The route is approximately two…

A mother and her young daughter in the grounds of Westonbirt Arboretum near Bristol in autumn - credit Johnny Hathaway

Bristol's best autumn walks

Oct. 14, 2024

When the landscapes of Britain are starting to change colour, golden leaves spatter the ground and there’s an official whiff of autumn in the air, there’s nothing quite like heading outdoors to experience this magical time of year. We’ve put together a guide to some of the best places for an…

A selection of Sunday roasts on a table at The Maple restaurant in Cleeve, near Bristol - credit The Maple

Bristol's best Sunday roasts

Oct. 09, 2024

You’re never too far from a great Sunday roast in Bristol. Bristol has an eclectic mix of venues to enjoy a classic roast dinner, from cosy pubs to stylish restaurants. Many restaurants and pubs in Bristol are passionate about sourcing ingredients locally from great producers, in addition to having…

A bedroom at Hort's Townhouse Bristol a boutique hotel in Bristol city centre

Bristol's cosiest hotels for autumn hibernation

Sep. 30, 2024

‘Tis the season of colourful leaves, crisp sunny strolls, beautiful misty mornings and cosying up by a log fire. Make the most of this snuggly time of year with a bit of ‘hygge’ at one of Bristol’s cosiest hotels for autumn hibernation. Harbour Hotel Bristol Step out of the cold and hunker down in…

The bar area at The Swan Inn in Rowberrow, near Bristol - credit Butcombe

Top country pub walks near Bristol

Sep. 04, 2024

From rolling hills to ancient woodland, we’re lucky to have what feels like an endless supply of green space just beyond Bristol. Of course, the wondrous wildlife and gorgeous scenery is reason enough to get out for a walk. But there’s nothing like a country pub pitstop to make a rural ramble even…

A group participating in the Wild Wookey caving experience at Wookey Hole in Wells, near Bristol - credit Wookey Hole

Adventurous activities in Bristol

Sep. 02, 2024

Whether you’re looking for daring date ideas or a fun day out with friends or family, Bristol and the surrounding area is home to plenty of thrillseeking activities, from rock climbing to surfing! Head for heights? Climb, jump and swoop your way around the high ropes course at Bristol Zoo Project’s…

A view of Castle Street in the town of Thornbury, near Bristol

Beautiful towns and villages near Bristol

Jul. 23, 2024

Bristol is the confluence of the beautiful counties of Somerset and Gloucestershire, home to varied landscapes, rolling countryside, stunning natural wonders, and plenty of charming historic villages! Here are some of our favourites, all waiting for you on the city’s doorstep... South…

A view of the cliffs in the Uphill area of Weston-super-Mare near Bristol - credit Dave Peters

Top beauty spots near Bristol

Jul. 09, 2024

Put on your walking boots and pack a camera (or maybe even a picnic if the weather is looking good), and explore some of these picturesque locations in and around the city, from nature reserves to historic estates and riverside parks. Skip to: City green spaces - North of Bristol - South of Bristol…